Sports Experience Manager

Unrivaled Sports; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic youth sports organization is seeking an Events Production Manager to lead planning and execution of large events. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, coordinate with vendors, and ensure cohesive brand experiences. This hybrid role requires strong organizational skills, vendor management expertise, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Candidates in the NYC or Boston metro areas are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing live event production.
• Proven ability to build and manage budgets of six figures or more.
• Experience developing and executing detailed timelines.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute tentpole events for a premium brand experience.
• Manage overall fiscal event budget, track spending and forecast costs.
• Oversee vendor sourcing, negotiations, and contracts for events.
• Lead pre-event production meetings for alignment across teams.
• Manage on-site production operations, ensuring efficiency and safety.

Skills

Live event production management

Budgeting and financial discipline

Vendor management

Project management

Strong communication skills

Job description

Apply for the Events Production Manager – Sports role at Unrivaled Sports. Unrivaled Sports is building the most dynamic network of youth sports experiences in the country, backed by leading investors and partners in the Sports & Entertainment industry.

Work Location: Hybrid role with flexibility to work remotely and meet with team members in one of our hub cities, including New York City, Boston, or Los Angeles. We prefer candidates located in the greater NYC or Boston metro areas.

Position Overview

Unrivaled Flag seeks an experienced production manager to lead the planning, management, and execution of our 2026 programming calendar. The Production Manager will own the end‑to‑end production process—from building budgets and workback schedules to managing vendors, logistics, and onsite operations—to deliver premium, brand experiences at scale and on budget. This is an onsite position based in one of our hubs—Boston, New York, or Los Angeles—with approximately 30% travel.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Execution
• Plan and execute tentpole events, leading from concept through on‑site delivery to ensure a premium, cohesive brand experience.
• Develop detailed production timelines and workback schedules for all major events and activations.
• Coordinate with brand, marketing, sales, creative, and communications teams to integrate brand storytelling into every activation.
• Ensure brand guidelines are upheld across all production elements, signage, and experiences.
• Budgeting & Financial Management
• Manage and build the overall fiscal 2026 event budget—track spend, forecast costs, and maximize return on investment.
• Track and reconcile post‑event expenses to stay within budget and provide accurate reporting.
• Develop financial models to assess cost‑benefit for event elements and vendor proposals.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Provide regular budget status updates to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Vendor & Partner Management
• Oversee vendor sourcing, negotiations, and contracts for equipment, staging, AV, fabrication, and other event needs.
• Maintain strong relationships with partners, sponsors, and venue contacts to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Evaluate vendor performance post‑event to optimize future partnerships.
• Secure and manage all required permits, insurance, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure vendors meet all safety and operational standards on‑site.
• On‑Site Operations & Logistics
• Lead pre‑event production meetings with internal teams, partners, and vendors to ensure alignment.
• Manage all on‑site production operations—including setup, run‑of‑show, and teardown—with a focus on efficiency and safety.
• Develop and manage production staffing plans, including crew scheduling, training, and travel coordination.
• Maintain and manage production assets inventory (e.g., branded tents, banners, field equipment).
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly during events to protect brand reputation and fan experience.
• Post‑Event Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
• Provide post‑event recaps and learnings to inform improvements for future activations.
• Partner with operations, sales, and brand teams to integrate feedback from attendees, partners, and staff to refine future production strategies.
• Maintain a library of production documentation, photos, and run‑of‑show notes for future reference.
• Identify new technologies and trends to elevate event production.
• Support cross‑departmental initiatives that enhance the Unrivaled Flag brand experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing live event production, preferably in sports, entertainment, or youth programming.
• Proven ability to build and manage budgets of six figures (or more) with strong financial discipline.
• Experience developing and executing detailed production timelines and workback schedules.
• Strong vendor management skills, including sourcing, negotiating, and contract oversight.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and collaborate effectively across brand, sales, marketing, creative, and operations.
• Knowledge of event logistics and on‑site production operations, including setup, teardown, and risk management.
• Familiarity with brand standards and storytelling to ensure cohesive event experiences.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to present updates to leadership.
• Great team player—demonstrates a collaborative mindset and positive attitude, fostering strong relationships across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, startup‑minded environment.